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U.S. Marshals warn of phone scams and urge public to report them

The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials.

Recently, the U.S. Marshals Office in Phoenix received information from several members of the public who were contacted from the phone number 602-888-2556. The caller typically identified himself as U.S. Marshal David Gonzales.

Scammers during these calls tried to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty or reference some other “serious legal matter." They tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card or gift card and providing that card number over the phone to satisfy the fine.

The U.S. Marshals Service says if you get any phone calls like this you should not divulge any personal or financial information, and report the calls to the U.S. Marshals Service Office in Phoenix. The number is (602) 382-8768.

Victims can also file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which detects patterns of fraud from collected information, then shares that with law enforcement.

Things to remember:

- U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing

numbers.

- Don’t divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.

- Report scam phone calls to your local Marshals Service office and to the FTC.

*-You can remain anonymous when you report.

- Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and

verify the court order given by the caller.

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